Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou weigh-in LIVE: Latest updates ahead of fight in Saudi Arabia
All weigh-in results after ‘AJ’, Ngannou and the undercard fighters hit the scales in Riyadh
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Francis Ngannou was 20.2lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua at Thursday’s weigh-in for their boxing match in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, will fight the ex-UFC champion in Riyadh on Friday (8 March).
Ahead of their 10-round professional contest, “AJ” and the “Predator” hit the scales and came face to face for the final time before Friday’s first bell. Ngannou weighed in first, coming in at 272.6lbs – 0.4lbs heavier than he was in his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October. Joshua followed at 252.4lbs – 1.4lbs heavier than he was against Otto Wallin in December.
Ngannou dropped the unbeaten Fury in Riyadh before losing a controversial decision. The Briton’s WBC title was not on the line in that bout. Two months later, Joshua stopped Wallin in five rounds to make it three wins from as many fights in 2023.
Re-live the weigh-in below.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
That’s all from today’s weigh-in! Join us right here tomorrow at 3pm GMT, as we begin our build-up to Joshua vs Ngannou.
The first prelim fight is expected at 4pm GMT, with the main card following at 6pm GMT.
Until then! Thanks for following along.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Francis Ngannou 20lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua at weigh-in for Saudi fight
‘AJ’ will box the ex-UFC heavyweight champion in Saudi Arabia on Friday
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Conor Benn and Manny Pacquaio are present and facing off. Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, is coy on whether there have been any substantial negotiations.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Joshua on whether he respects Ngannou’s skills: “Always, always.”
On whether Fury did not respect Ngannou’s skills: “He can answer those questions himself, I can’t be a spokesperson for Fury.”
Official prediction: “I deliver. I’m the postman!”
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Ngannou: “The mindset is still the same. This is just my second boxing match, even though I’m taking on the two best guys in the world in boxing.
“I’m the underdog, I’m going out there to prove that you can be an underdog and stand your ground.”
On why he smirked slightly at AJ: “Sometimes it just makes me laugh a little bit, because we’re going to fight in boxing rules, but what would happen if it was a ‘free’ fight? I would smoke these guys! Ahaha! I’m the only one to go into their backyard.
“My official prediction is me leaving the ring with the victory.”
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Joshua and Ngannou both look phenomenal. They are in terrific shape. We have a HEAVYWEIGHT showdown on our hands, people.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Ngannou tips the scales at 272.6lbs – ever so slightly heavier than he was when he fought Fury.
Joshua follows at 252.4lbs – slightly heavier than he was against Wallin.
Ngannou is 20.2lbs heavier than the Briton.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Two men left to hit the stage: Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
For reference, Joshua weighed in at 251lbs for his fight with Otto Wallin (238.6lbs) in December.
Ngannou hit the scales at 272.2lbs for his bout with Tyson Fury (277.7) in October.
Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in LIVE
Parker, the challenger, weighs in at 247.6lbs.
Zhang then comes in at 291.6lbs.
A 44lbs difference! Remarkable.
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